Tip is just the ticket police need to nab break-in suspect Michigan man charged with stealing O's tickets, other items

June 28, 1992|By Carol L. Bowers | Carol L. Bowers,Staff Writer

An anonymous tip and a stolen pair of Orioles tickets led to the arrest last week of a 19-year-old Michigan man who police say may be tied to several breaking and enterings in northern Harford County.

Lt. Jerome Heathcott, of the Harford County Sheriff's Office, said Erin Todd Preston was charged with one count each of breaking and entering and felony theft following his arrest Tuesday.

Preston, 19, was being held Friday in the Harford County Detention Center on $15,000 bond.

Preston was apprehended at a pay phone near the McDonald's at Bel Air Plaza after an anonymous caller tipped off police.

"He admitted taking the tickets but said he can't remember from where," said Heathcott.

The Sheriff's Office received the anonymous call about 5 p.m. Tuesday, Heathcott said.

A man called and said his son, who works at a Bel Air fast-food restaurant, had purchased Orioles tickets from a man who said he had extra tickets earlier in the week, police said.

When the father and son attended the ballgame, others sitting in the section informed them tickets had been stolen from friends, police said.

"The guy came by the [restaurant] again Tuesday trying to sell more Orioles tickets, and the kid recognized him, and called his father, who came down and called us," Heathcott said.

Police said they confronted the suspect and found suspected stolen property in his vehicle.

Sheriff's Deputy Richard Weisman said among the suspected stolen items found in Preston's car were eight more tickets to Orioles games.

"Four were found to be stolen, but he had swapped the others for better seats," Weisman said.

Orioles management confirmed the tickets had been stolen, said the deputy.

Maryland State Police are investigating whether Preston was involved in the two other daytime breaking and enterings, which occurred in the Fallston and Jarrettsville areas, according to Tfc. Art Schroeder of the Benson Barracks.